Automotive Service Technician Red Seal Exam Prep Overview
The Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Examination Preparation course is designed based on the competencies listed in the trade’s Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS). The course will help students review all the trade-specific concepts and theories they will need to challenge and successfully pass the Red Seal Examination.
This intensive review course is for participants who have the requisite theoretical and practical knowledge and have met the challenge requirements to write the exam. The course will guide candidates and help them with the preparation material for the exam to become Red Seal certified.
Automotive Service Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. However, the province of Quebec does not provide testing for the Red Seal Automotive Service Technician Examination.
Students will have eight weeks to complete this course.
Topics Covered/Learning Objectives
- Occupational skills
- Engine and engine support systems
- Vehicle module communications systems
- Drivelines systems
- Electrical and comfort control systems
- Steering and suspension systems, brake systems, control systems, tires, hubs, and wheel bearings
- Restraint systems, components, accessories and trim
- Hybrid and electric vehicles
Admission Requirements
None
Becoming an Automotive Service Technician as a Career Choice
Automotive service technicians possess the full range of knowledge and abilities required to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose problems and repair vehicle systems including engines, vehicle management, hybrids, steering, braking, tires, wheels, drivetrains, suspension, electrical, electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), restraints, trim and accessories of automotive vehicles and light trucks.
Automotive service technicians may be employed by automotive repair shops, dealerships, automotive specialty repair shops, large organizations that may own a fleet of vehicles and motor vehicle body repair companies.
What Do Automotive Services Technicians Do?
While the scope of the automotive service technician trade includes many aspects of vehicle service and repair, an increasing number of technicians specialize in specific areas of automotive vehicle repair due to the complexity of today’s motor vehicle systems. Technicians usually work indoors and can expect a work environment that includes noise, fumes, odours, hazardous compounds, drafts, vibrations, and confined spaces.
Required Skills
The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling and reaching. Some important attributes of automotive service technicians are good hand-eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, time management skills, logical thinking and decision making skills, excellent communication skills, computer skills and the ability to continue learning as technology advances. It is also imperative to have a valid driver’s license. It is important to listen to customers carefully before trying to repair any issue that may be a characteristic of a vehicle. Reviewing the safety protocols of a system before working on it is paramount.
Career Options
With additional training, experienced automotive service technicians may advance to shop supervisor or service manager positions. Also technicians can transfer their skills and knowledge to related occupations such as automotive instructor, truck and transport mechanic, agricultural equipment technician or heavy-duty equipment technician. Some technicians may open their own garage or automotive specialty shop.
Current Trends
There is a push from consumers and governments towards lowering emissions and improving fuel economy. Maintenance service requirements, schedules, history and reminders are becoming more important. Vehicle components are being built with lighter and stronger materials. More complex and powerful vehicle management systems are being used. Hybrids and electric vehicles are becoming more popular. More efficient gas and cleaner diesel-fueled vehicles are becoming the norm.
The need for enhanced training continues in the industry. Vehicle communication networks that integrate multiple systems such as safety, suspension, steering and braking are becoming standard. A well-developed understanding of a range of technologies is required. This includes audio system and vehicle monitoring through satellite communications, new styles of automated braking systems [collision monitoring braking systems (CMB), adaptive cruise control], lane changing and parking assistance (blind-spot detection, backup cameras), dual-clutch transmission (DCT), complex communication networks and gasoline direct injection (GDI).
As a result of the introduction of a range of sophisticated technologies, there is a movement towards specialization in the trade. There has been a greater emphasis on environmentally-friendly and less hazardous products with better recycling, disposal and handling procedures. Technicians must be conscious of the detrimental effects of hazardous materials on workers and the environment as well as being informed on the relevant regulations.
There is a greater trend towards component replacement rather than repair. Technicians must be aware of the quality and compatibility of replacement or rebuilt components compared to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards. More vehicle options are resulting in more customization of the vehicle based on customer preferences.
Note: Before registering for any Red Seal Exam Preparation courses, please contact your local trades authority to confirm your eligibility to write the relevant Red Seal Exam.
Technical Requirements
Live Online Students
Ashton College offers education for all students with a unique online learning approach. A synchronous learning component provides real time interaction and immediate feedback. We use real time interactive sessions, breakout rooms, and screen-sharing. An asynchronous learning component allows students to work at their own pace. Our asynchronous learning materials include recorded real time lectures, online readings, and discussion forums. We encourage students, if possible, to use both components so as to enjoy interactivity and community of real-time learning as well as studying at their own pace. This approach ensures students have support and resources to achieve their educational goals.
For synchronous sessions, students need to have a fully functional computer system with a webcam, speakers and microphone or headset and headphones, along with a reliable high-speed internet connection. Though the classes can be accessed using smartphones and tablets, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer for a better learning experience.
This program/course does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. As such, PTIB did not review the program/course.
